Kolkata in grip of 'near-heat wave'

KOLKATA: The city is scorched and Kolkatans are scurrying for shade. But there's no respite in store any time soon. With no Nor'wester in sight, a 'near-heat wave' condition has been predicted for the city.

While the mercury stood at 39.1°C on Monday, it could go a degree higher and climb up to 40°C on Tuesday. There will be no respite from the searing heat for at least the next 48 hours, according to the Met office.

The agony looks set to last even longer with the prevailing wind direction not allowing moisture to penetrate the atmosphere. Several schools have cut down on their outdoor activities and are even contemplating an early summer vacation.

It is unusual not to have a single Nor'wester in April, said Devendra Pradhan, deputy director-general, meteorology. "Unless the wind direction changes from the prevailing northerly to a southerly flow, we won't have thundershowers. Only southerly winds can carry enough moisture from the sea that can meet the hot winds blowing in from the northern plains and precipitate a Nor'wester. It hasn't happened even once this season, which is rare, though not unprecedented. In 2011, we had similar weather, but it wasn't as dry as it has been this year," said Pradhan. He added that wind direction-induced heat-wave happens in a cycle of 4-5 years.

Schoolchildren are having a tough time dealing with the heat. Many have scrapped outdoor activities. Others have asked children to desist from going out in the sun during breaks. "It is tough on children. We are moved our outdoor activities to covered areas within the school. Students have been asked to drink more water and carry glucose. It's difficult for them since the summer vacations are still a good three weeks away," said Mukta Nain, principal of Birla High School for Boys.

Even though conditions are very close to a heat wave, Kolkata and its surrounding areas are still a shade cooler to qualify for it. "Normally, temperature has to be five degrees above normal for a heat wave to prevail. At present, we are marginally below the mark. But if the weather doesn't change in the next two to three days, which is unlikely to happen, a heat wave is a possibility," said Pradhan.

While south Bengal remained parched, north Bengal was better off. It has seen several drizzles in the last two weeks. "The northern part is unlikely to see a dramatic surge in temperature," added Pradhan.